Insect Emergency... Predictions for an Active Summer

Summer's Shadow

In the summer of 2025, instead of the gentle breeze that signals the start of the season, an inexplicable tension hangs over the entire city. The moment the windows are opened, swarms of insects flood in, mysterious bugs crawl up the walls, and headlines that make one hesitate to ventilate—'Never open your windows!'—have become not an exaggeration, but everyday advice. The unusual reproduction of insects reported across the country is undeniably exceptional, and their numbers have surged beyond comparison with previous years. Insects have always been part of summer. However, this year is different. Bugs are appearing even in high-rise apartments, commercial facilities, and inside large supermarkets, breaking down the 'boundaries of everyday life' that we once enjoyed. This goes beyond mere seasonal inconvenience it serves as a warning of how sensitive human living environments are to natural changes. The 'insect emergency' of summer 2025 is an unfamiliar signal foreshadowing cracks in the climate crisis and urban sanitation systems.

Why have there been so many bugs lately?

The mass emergence of insects is not a mere coincidence. According to the meteorological agency, the average temperature in the summer of 2025 is forecasted to be 0.5 to 1.5 degrees higher than usual, coupled with frequent localized heavy rains since June, creating a hot and humid environment. This has provided ideal breeding conditions for insects, and especially as the number of days with average temperatures exceeding 25 degrees increases, the growth cycle of pests like mosquitoes has notably shortened. Eggs hatch more quickly, and the activity period of insects has been advanced compared to previous years. The structural characteristics of urban areas have also accelerated the spread of insects. Sewers, underground parking lots, and waste disposal areas serve as spaces where warmth and moisture accumulate, making them perfect habitats for insects. Extreme temperature changes are prompting insects to move beyond their usual habitats to higher altitudes and deeper indoors. Additionally, internal conditions in residential environments, such as heating systems, food waste, and drainage systems, are facilitating closer proximity of insects to humans. In the past, the emergence of insects during summer was regarded as an unpleasant yet unavoidable natural phenomenon. However, it has now surpassed this category. Flies, centipedes, cockroaches, and mites have emerged as threats to hygiene and health, and they are no longer mere nuisances they are a tangible threat that undermines the foundations of daily life.

Pest Problems Going Beyond Simple Discomfort

In the present day, insects should no longer be viewed as mere 'unpleasant roommates,' but rather as hazardous elements that threaten health and safety. This is especially true for mosquitoes. These tiny insects, which can transmit various infectious diseases including malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis, are changing the domestic sanitation landscape by causing the northward migration of subtropical mosquitoes due to global warming. In fact, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has strengthened dengue fever monitoring systems in certain areas this year. Additionally, flies, mites, and other pests can provoke allergic reactions and skin issues, posing greater health threats to children and the elderly. Insects are not just sources of visible discomfort they can directly cause infectious and inflammatory diseases in vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems. In terms of sanitation, insects seriously undermine the sense of control over living spaces. Flies hovering over fruit in the kitchen, cockroaches crawling in the gaps of beds, and swarms of gnats stirring on desks embody the anxiety that seeps into daily life and erodes trust in hygiene. The risks of infection and breeding are exacerbated in homes or facilities where maintaining cleanliness is challenging. This situation is not exclusive to urban areas it extends to rural areas as well. Aphids, moths, and leaf-eating insects directly damage crops, leading to decreased yields and increased pest control costs. The issue of insects threatens the quality of life regardless of whether one lives in a city or the countryside, and it is a potential disaster that could shake the nation's food system and economic foundation.

How should we respond?

The complex issue of pests cannot be overcome with short-term measures. However, there are clearly actionable responses that we can take. First and foremost, the most basic response is to strengthen daily pest control. It is necessary to thoroughly check the condition of screens, block gaps, and install pest repellent devices indoors. Organic materials that attract insects, such as food waste and fruit peels, should be disposed of as quickly as possible. The second response is to improve the structural environment. Practical measures to reduce the space for pests include removing moisture from living areas, regularly cleaning drains and sinks, and checking ventilation systems. At the urban level, managing septic tanks and waste disposal in apartment buildings and commercial properties is a key task. The pest control system of local governments is also important. Regular pest disinfection, hygiene education for residents, and real-time pest appearance information sharing systems help minimize damage through public collaboration. In particular, more proactive pest control strategies are required in spaces where vulnerable populations, such as daycare centers, nursing homes, and schools, are concentrated. Above all, it is crucial to redesign living patterns in response to climate change. The emergence of pests is not just a seasonal phenomenon but an indication that our relationship with nature is becoming unbalanced. Reducing carbon emissions, planning environmentally friendly cities, and transitioning to sustainable consumption methods will ultimately be the most fundamental solutions to this problem.

Familiar Season's Strange Warning

In the summer of 2025, we are facing unfamiliar anxieties within the seasons we once knew. The presence of a single mosquito feels overwhelmingly significant, and the appearance of swarms of insects is approaching fear beyond mere discomfort. The resurgence of bugs is not just an issue of the insects themselves it is a clear signal that the order of the environment we live in is breaking down. Now, summer is no longer just the season to open windows and breathe in the essence of nature. It has become a season requiring thorough preparation, vigilance, and structural responses. This 'bug emergency' is not merely about driving pests away it is a request to re-evaluate our attitudes as we live in an era of climate change. We should not view insects solely as objects of disdain but should reflect on the background of their appearances and restructure our response system across society. From indoor screens to the Earth's climate systems, the scope of our response is broader and deeper than we think. This summer is asking us: how will we respond to this warning? The answer to that question will likely be embedded in the shape of the next summer we create.